Church, slip & slide
We are beginning to think that Aman was just surrounded by girls his own age in the transition home and not many boys. We got out their new shoes to go with the clothes they were going to wear to church and Aman threw a fit because his shoes were not exactly like Serawit’s. Actually they were alike (both Converse All Stars), but hers was pink and his was gray. They did fine in church, but half way through the sermon he started quietly crying again, so Adam took him out to the lobby to calm him down. Our friends there were so happy to see them and us.
We went to a restaurant for lunch, and they did very well. They still will only drink water – even though they like lemon slices, they didn’t like lemonaid. They liked their chicken, but not the orange slices we ordered with it. I tried them, and they were the mandarin oranges that are packed in syrup – except for lollypops, the only sweets they like are those naturally sweetened. They liked the bread, but instead of butter, dipped in marinara sauce. The waitress had as much fun as we did exploring food with them.
After all the drama earlier, we figured they better take a nap before going out to meet their cousins. This could not have been a better day to have done this. For once, Serawit was in the gender minority, and Aman was truly in his element for a change. Two boy cousins 4 and 8, and a girl cousin who is 11. The pictures were the best thing we could have brought while in Ethiopia because they immediately recognized them, and were very happy. There is a swingset in the back of Adam’s parent’s house and his mom set up a slip and slide at the end of the slide. The kids LOVED it. Also, the boys have the big plastic cars that they can move around in, and Aman REALLY loved that. I see the go-cart track in that boy’s future. They got wet, so their hair was washed a lot sooner than I would have liked, but I brought the shea butter and hair tools and was able to fix Serawit’s hair before we left. Her scalp is so dry I think I’m going to have to break down and use vaseline. I hate putting something that is essentially crude oil on her head, but that’s what anyone who knows has told me works.
They didn’t like the grilled meat, and Aman liked the corn on the cob. They like baked cheetos. Besides the lollypops I believe that’s the first junk food they took to. I think Aman liked the Capri Sun, but Serawit didn’t.
The kids were asleep in the car when we got home at 9:30. I think they are ready for the swimming pool.
They like it when they have a doll or stuffed animal when we go somewhere. To keep the drama down, I have been bringing the Raggedy Ann and Andy that my parents gave them, because they look similar. I really need to get them something that looks more like them. Maybe dark skinned cabbage patch kids – a boy for him and a girl for her?
Felicia & Adam: I can’t tell you how happy and excited I am for you ALL!!! Linda sent me your blog and I read part of it and went to look at the pictures and just started bawling!! I went to Linda’s office and told her “How dare you send me something like that so early on a Monday morning.” and the tears were just rolling down my cheeks!! Then I came back to my desk and read the rest about your trip back home!! You will soon learn, if you haven’t already, there is nothing “planned” about parenthood!! You are both so blessed to have these children and they are blessed to have you. They seem like such happy kids!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!! We need MORE pix!!! LOL
okay, so I had to look and there are Ethnic Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls on the net!!!
I saw that – who would have thought. I think I like the Cabbage Patch Kids better.